Working with the compulsory health insurance system in the Emirates

In order to implement the health insurance system that the Council of Ministers adopted, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization, in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, and the Ministry of Health and Prevention, in coordination with several insurance companies, have introduced a basic package of health insurance for workers in the private sector and auxiliary employment that do not have insurance systems.

The revised document

Based on the Council of Ministers' decision, the system will go into effect today and will cover all private sector workers in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. This means that all workers in the labor market are covered by health insurance packages, and employers are required to purchase the updated insurance policy in order to grant and renew residency. Employees with work permits issued prior to January 1, 2025, and still in effect are exempt from the mandatory insurance system, but health insurance is required for those workers when they renew their residence.

As part of a larger plan to broaden the scope of the integrated human rights and social protection system, which includes the labor protection system, the worker unemployment insurance system, and the optional "savings system" in place of the end-of-service bonus, the state is eager to fully protect all workers in the labor market and support the provision of a decent life for them by offering a comprehensive, high-quality health system.

Costs of treatment

For inpatient health care (those admitted to the hospital for medical treatment or surgery), the package covers treatment costs with a 20% tolerance rate. The insured pays a maximum of AED 500 per visit and AED 1000 annually, including medications; if these amounts are exceeded, the insurance company will cover 100% of the treatment costs.
The tolerance rate for outpatient patients (those who do not need to stay in the hospital and include minor operations, diagnostic tests, and medical visits) is 25%, with the insured paying a maximum of 100 dirhams per visit. If the follow-up visit is made within seven days for the same illness, there is no tolerance rate, and the tolerance rate for medications is 30%, up to 1500 dirhams annually.

Employers can purchase the insurance product through a variety of channels, including the website and the insurance complex's smart application, as well as business services centers. The network includes seven hospitals, forty-six clinics, medical centers, and forty-five pharmacies. Dependents of the worker's family members can also have access to the same benefits and prices of the product in accordance with the terms of the insurance policy.

Reviving the sector

By broadening the scope of services and guaranteeing their accessibility to all populations, the system helps to revitalize the health sector and fosters a more stable and advanced health environment. It is also a useful tool for early disease detection, which improves preparedness to handle urgent medical issues.

An appropriate competitive price and a symbolic cost of treatment are two features of the insurance package offered by "care network-dubaicare" that will lessen the financial burden on employers. This is especially true since the value of insurance is significantly lower than the costs of treating employees, which lowers operating expenses.

The policy has a two-year term, and if the residence is canceled, the value of the policy can be refunded for the second year. The basic insurance package costs AED 320 annually and does not have a waiting period for the worker in the event that he develops a chronic illness. If the worker is older than 64, a medical disclosure form must be completed and recent medical reports must be attached.